Crafting a press release for a nonprofit fundraising event is a pivotal step in garnering media attention and public interest. It’s about more than just announcing an event; it’s an art that involves weaving together the essence of your cause, the excitement of the event, and the core message of your nonprofit organization.
We’re diving into the world of nonprofit fundraising. Specifically, we’re talking about crafting press releases that make your fundraising events stand out. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the nonprofit sector, this post will guide you through creating a press release that captures attention and support and also includes an example of a press release for non-profit fundraising events.
Understanding the Purpose of Fundraising Events for not for Profit Organisations
First things first, what’s a press release? It’s a written statement to the media. For nonprofits, it’s a powerful tool to announce your fundraising event and attract media coverage. The goal? To spread the word and drum up excitement.
Key Elements of a Press Release
- Compelling Headline: Your headline should grab attention. Make it clear and engaging. Think “Local Nonprofit Hosts Gala to Support Youth Education” – simple, yet effective.
- First Paragraph: This is your hook. Answer the who, what, when, where, and why. For example, “This Saturday, [Nonprofit Name] will host a gala at [Venue], supporting local youth education programs.”
- The Story: Why is this event important? Share your mission. If your event supports a local animal shelter, talk about the impact on the community. Personal stories or statistics can be powerful here.
- Quotes: Include a quote from someone significant to the event – like the nonprofit’s director or a beneficiary of the funds. It adds a personal touch and credibility.
- Details: Don’t forget the specifics. Time, date, location, and how to attend or donate. Clear and concise is the way to go.
- Boilerplate: End with a short paragraph about your nonprofit. This is your elevator pitch – who you are and what you do.
Best Practices
- Timing is Key: Send your press release well in advance. A couple of weeks before the event is a good rule of thumb.
- Make Connections: Personalize your emails to journalists. Mention why the event could be interesting to their readers.
- Follow Up: After sending your press release, a polite follow-up call or email can make a big difference.
- Images and Videos: If possible, include high-quality images or a video clip. Visuals can make your release more appealing.
Additional Tips for a Winning Press Release for nonprofit fundraising events
- Use Clear, Simple Language: Avoid jargon or complex language. Your goal is to be understood by a wide audience, not just industry insiders.
- Be Concise: Keep your press release short and to the point. Aim for one page. This makes it easier for journalists to grasp your message quickly.
- Highlight the Human Element: People connect with people. If your event is helping real individuals, mention that. A human story can be much more compelling than just facts and figures.
- Include a Call to Action: What do you want readers to do? Attend the event? Donate? Volunteer? Make this clear and easy to find in your press release.
- Proofread: A press release with typos or grammatical errors can hurt your credibility. Double-check your work or have someone else review it.
- Use Quotes Wisely: Quotes should provide insight, not just state facts. A quote from a beneficiary of the fundraiser, for example, can add a lot of value to your release.
- Contact Information: Make sure journalists can easily find contact information for follow-up questions. Include an email address and phone number.
- Distribution: Think about how you’ll distribute your press release. Email? A press release distribution service? Social media? Each has its own advantages.
- Follow Media Guidelines: If you’re sending the press release to specific publications, check if they have guidelines for press releases and adhere to them.
- Leverage Social Media: In addition to traditional media, share your press release on social media platforms. It can increase your reach and engagement.
Example of a fundraising press release for a non-profit organization
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Headline: Local Nonprofit Launches “Feeding Futures” Campaign to Combat Hunger in Africa
Sub-Headline: Innovative Program Aims to Provide Sustainable Food Solutions to Impoverished Communities
Date: [Insert Date]
Location: [Your City, State]
First Paragraph: In a major step towards battling hunger in Africa, [Your Nonprofit’s Name], a dedicated nonprofit organization based in [Your City], today announced the launch of its “Feeding Futures” campaign. This initiative is focused on providing immediate food relief and developing sustainable agricultural practices in some of the most impoverished regions of Africa.
Second Paragraph: “Feeding Futures” is not just about providing food; it’s about creating a sustainable future,” said [Nonprofit Leader’s Name], [Position], at [Your Nonprofit’s Name]. “Our goal is to empower communities with the tools and knowledge they need to achieve long-term food security. We believe that everyone deserves access to nutritious food, and through this campaign, we’re committed to making that a reality.”
Third Paragraph: The campaign will kick off with a fundraising event on [Date] at [Venue] in [City]. The event will feature live music, a silent auction, and presentations by renowned experts in sustainable agriculture and food security. All proceeds will go directly towards funding the initiative in Africa, including the construction of community gardens, implementation of modern farming techniques, and education programs on nutrition and food production.
Fourth Paragraph: [Harrowing Statistic about Hunger in Africa]. “These numbers aren’t just statistics; they represent real people facing daily challenges that most of us can’t even imagine,” added [Another Key Figure in Your Nonprofit]. “With ‘Feeding Futures’, we aim to change these numbers, one meal, one family, one community at a time.”
Fifth Paragraph: For those who cannot attend the event but wish to contribute, donations can be made on the [Your Nonprofit’s Name] website at [Website URL]. Every contribution, big or small, can make a significant difference in the lives of those struggling with food scarcity in Africa.
Boilerplate: [Your Nonprofit’s Name] is a nonprofit organization based in [Your City]. Since [Year of Establishment], it has been committed to addressing global issues such as hunger, poverty, and education. With a focus on sustainable solutions, [Your Nonprofit’s Name] aims to bring about lasting change in communities around the world.
Contact Information: For more information, please contact [Contact Person’s Name], [Contact Person’s Position], at [Phone Number] or [Email Address].
This press release template can be customized to fit the specifics of your nonprofit’s campaign. The key is to clearly communicate the mission, provide essential details, and inspire action, whether through attendance at an event or donations.
Conclusion
Creating a press release for a nonprofit fundraising event is all about telling a story that resonates. It’s more than just an announcement; it’s an invitation to be part of something meaningful. With a compelling narrative, clear details, and a personal touch, your press release can go a long way in making your event a success.
And remember, it’s not just about one event. It’s about building relationships with your audience and the media. Keep your communication clear, consistent, and engaging, and you’ll pave the way for future successes.
Happy writing, and best of luck with your fundraising event!
